Page 53 of Just My Fake Husband

“I get it,” I say and then I feel all dumbed up. I can’t think of a single other thing to say.

“Are you going on a honeymoon?” Oakley’s mouth curves into a smile.

Oh. Another thing we didn’t consider.

“Later,” Gabriel says with a firm clearing of his throat.

He moves to stand, and I join him. We resume the position; stitched together along our sides, holding on for air. “We wantto call Mom and Dad now. So out with ya,” he says, motioning toward the door.

“Dad’s out of town,” Milo says. “But yeah, I’m sure Mom would love to know more.” His pointed look could get us all in trouble, if any of the brothers sensed he already knew.

“I’m surprised she hasn’t called yet.” Gabriel looks down at his phone.

Elianna, Sophie, and Quinn all have other jobs, which is probably why they aren’t here right now, but I wonder how they’re coping with the breezy, to-the-point text. Will they be as accepting as Oakley?

They’re my sisters-in-law. I freaking have four freaking sisters-in-law.

This crazy scheme of ours has to work. And looking at Gabriel’s face, feeling the warmth and weight of him against me, I suddenly feel like maybe we really are a team, that my air high five, silly at the time, was actually meaningful. Because there’s a flicker of knowing in the back of my mind, of really and truly caring about Gabriel succeeding. He wants Foundations Financial. And if I can, I’d like to help him get it.

Is all this actually going to help the cause?

Chapter 19

Gabriel

The family is no sooner out the door when Mom calls.

“Hi, Mom,” I say. There’s a certain sense of relief that we can get this over with. “River’s here and you’re on speaker phone.”

My mom hesitates. “Hello, River.” Her voice is cautious, yet warm. “Well, Gabriel, I have to say, I’m surprised that you’re . . . married! I wouldn’t have chosen this for you . . . to rush into it . . . but I understand that you have to live your life and do what you need to do.”

I sink back down into the love seat, and River curls up next to me. We’re not touching anymore, as per our agreement. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t mind having my arm around her again.

Mom’s next thought is not surprising. “We’ll have a reception, of course,” she says. “Am I planning it or are you two?”

“I—uh—River? What would you like to do?”

“I haven’t thought enough about it.” River chews on her lip, and then says, “When would you be available for one . . . Celine?” She blinks several times and then stares at her hands in her lap.

“Well, we can’t wait too long. You wouldn’t want to have it too close to Halloween or Thanksgiving. Oh, we could get the chef at The Summit to cater but the question is, do you want it in Denver or there in Longdale? I guess, River, you might prefer Longdale because you grew up there. At least, I think you did. My land! I don’t even know that basic fact about my new daughter-in-law.”

“She did, Mom.”

“Oh, well then, we’ll have it in Longdale. Maybe at the resort? Or I think there’s a little church on Main Street that has an outdoor area we could rent.”

“We don’t need anything fancy,” River says.

Does River care about having a nice reception? I’m assuming since we’ll be divorced in a year, she doesn’t too much.

As strange as the idea that we’re married is, it’s even worse to think of it ending.

“Listen, Mom, let’s have something small.” No use throwing a big bash for something that’s ending. “That’s part of the reason we got married so quickly. No fuss, no muss.”

“Well, if you’re sure. River, is that what you really want?”

“Yes, something simple would be great.”

“Oh, and what are you thinking for food?” Mom asks. “Of course, I need to know your colors. In the photos your bouquet has lots of golds and pinks and greens. Should we go with that? Your dress is beautiful, River. I can’t wait to see it in person.” There’s another pause and when she starts speaking again, her voice is husky. “You do make a cute couple.”

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